California is typically considered one of the most scenic states in the U.S., but it is also the nation’s leader in cities with the most polluted air.
That according to the just released 2026 “State of the Air” survey by the American Lung Association. It evaluates metropolitan areas based on three key metrics: Ozone pollution, short-term particle pollution (24-hour spikes), and annual particle pollution.
Five California cities dominated the top ten list of “year-round particle pollution” as well as ranking high in ozone production and short-term particle pollution.
A total of eight of the Golden State’s cities also ranked in the top 25 most-polluted cities in the nation.
Bakersfield and the surrounding Delano area has remained the most polluted in terms of “year-round particle pollution,” out of 211 American metropolitan areas, according to the report.
Four other California metro areas were found in the top ten for
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